tag:,2016:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2016-05-17T09:45:00Ztag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=361894Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterCall of Duty: Black Ops seems to be the next backward compatible Xbox One game2016-05-17T09:45:00Z2016-05-17T09:45:00Z<p>[<strong>Update: </strong>Major Nelson <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/majornelson/status/732725639464247296">has confirmed</a> our suspicions.]</p>
<p>Oh hey, another backward compatible game!</p>
<p>Found by way of Eurogamer, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops</em>&nbsp;seems to be the next title that's coming to Xbox One. When I say "found" I mean it, as the Xbox 360 dashboard, something that pretty much no one looks at these days (provided that you own an Xbox One), has been advertising it -- since it's an official channel, it looks legit.</p>
<p>The original <em>Black Ops</em>&nbsp;is often hailed as one of the best, if not the best, <em>Call of Duty&nbsp;</em>game. It's still actively played by thousands online, and enjoys a fruitful community to this day. I'd easily drop back in on Xbox One due to the convenience and replay <em>Dead Ops Arcade </em>or a few zombies maps.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-17-looks-like-call-of-duty-black-ops-is-back-compatible-on-xbox-one-today" target="_blank">Black Ops</a> [Eurogamer]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/361894-AF2.jpg" alt="Call of Duty: Black Ops seems to be the next backward compatible Xbox One game screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-seems-to-be-the-next-backward-compatible-xbox-one-game-361894.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=355022Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoVisit the Island of Despair for Call of Duty: Black Ops III's new zombie map2016-04-12T23:00:00Z2016-04-12T23:00:00Z<p><iframe width="800" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFe5u5JFt_g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I've always found <em>Call of Duty</em>'s Zombies modes confusing, but the new trailer for the latest zombies map, "Zetsubou no Shima" (Island of Despair) confuses me more than usual, since the narrator claims that the Mysterious Pacific Island&trade; they're trapped on is home to "a new enemy". And yet I distinctly remember shooting Japanese World War II zombies on the last Pacific-themed zombies map I played, "Shi no Numa" (Swamp of Death). Maybe I should be paying more attention?</p>
<p>In any case, players can take a trip to the Island of Despair if they pick up the <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III Eclipse </em>DLC pack, debuting on April 19 on the PS4 and in May for PC and Xbox One. The pack also includes four new regular multiplayer maps, called Verge, Rift, Knockout, and Spire.</p>
<div id="_mcePaste" class="mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;"><iframe width="800" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFe5u5JFt_g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/355022-Clipboard01.jpg" alt="Visit the Island of Despair for Call of Duty: Black Ops III's new zombie map screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=345785Dealzonhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/DealzonPS4 bundle deals: $50 off or a free copy of Far Cry Primal2016-03-01T19:30:00Z2016-03-01T19:30:00Z<p>No need to wait for the holidays for a PlayStation 4 deal. If you're eyeing a machine for some big upcoming titles, there are two decent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dealzon.com/deals/cheap-playstation-4?drc=dtoid" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PS4 bundle offers</a> on eBay this week. Your choice in deal-grabbing involves a $50 discount, or a $60 bonus.</p>
<p>Two retailers, NewEgg and&nbsp;Techoutlet, are unloading PS4 bundles on their respective eBay storefronts with holiday-like values. Techoutlet has the $50 discount, slashing the <em>Uncharted</em> collection bundle to a mere $299 (Black Friday-level pricing). NewEgg on the other hand is pawning off the<em> Black Ops III</em> bundle for $350 plus a free copy of <em>Far Cry Primal</em> (~$60 value).</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.dealzon.com/buy/playstation-4-call-of-duty-black-ops-3-bundle?drc=dtoid" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PS4 Call of Duty: Black Ops III Bundle + Far Cry Primal</a> &mdash; $349.99 &nbsp;<em>(Value: $410)</em></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dealzon.com/buy/ps4-uncharted-nathan-drake-collection-bundle?drc=dtoid" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PS4 Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Bundle</a> &mdash; $299.99 &nbsp;<em>(list price: $350)</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Both of these bundles ship free in the continental US and have sales tax charged in only a handful of states. NewEgg's PS4 bundle only carries tax in CA, IN, NJ, and TN.&nbsp;Techoutlet's $299 PS4 sales tax covers a few more states: CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, NV, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TN, TX, UT, and WA (18 / 50 for those counting).</p>
<p>There are a limited-quantity available, but there doesn't appear to be a danger of either selling out today. NewEgg's <em>Black Ops</em> + <em>Far Cry Primal</em> bundle has a total of 1,000 available and has only sold 114 since going live this morning at 8:00am Pacific. Techoutlet's bundle has a total of 2,000 available at that price and has only sold 184 at the time of writing.</p>
<p><em>Deals from Dealzon. Sales help support Destructoid.</em></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/345785-h2.jpg" alt="PS4 bundle deals: $50 off or a free copy of Far Cry Primal screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=335087Dealzonhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/DealzonPlayStation 4 Black Ops III bundle getting offloaded for $329 on eBay2016-01-18T12:30:00Z2016-01-18T12:30:00Z<p>It looks like retailers may have overestimated the popularity of <em>Black Ops III</em> bundles, because Antonline is now <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.dealzon.com/buy/playstation-4-call-of-duty-black-ops-3-bundle?drc=dtoid">clearing out some PlayStation 4 units at $329.99</a>. This is of course the "Jet Black" edition of the bundle, aka the regular PlayStation 4 console that's uh, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-iii-themed-ps4-with-1tb-hard-drive-announced-312046.phtml">not ugly</a>.</p>
<p>This bundle comes with the popular Nuk3town DLC and you'll be saving on sales tax if you grab from Antoline... so long as you don't reside in California or Georgia. Note that Antonline is an authorized Sony retailer, so you'll be good on the warranty front.</p>
<p>Given we're no longer in the holiday season, this is a decent price all things considered. If you must have a PlayStation 4 under normal retail price, a $330 price range is probably what you can expect in the near future.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/335087-black-ops-3-ps4-jet-black.jpg" alt="PlayStation 4 Black Ops III bundle getting offloaded for $329 on eBay screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=327977Mike Cosimanohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+CosimanoPSA: Watch out for Star Wars spoilers on Xbox Live and Battlefront2015-12-19T11:00:00Z2015-12-19T11:00:00Z<p><em>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</em>&nbsp;has officially hit theaters, which means everyone who cares a modicum about popular culture is booking to the theaters to experience this sweeping cultural moment before some jerk spoils the film's major twists. I come here not to impart judgement on spoiler-phobia (it's not every day real, honest-to-God&nbsp;<em>Star Wars</em>&nbsp;comes back from the dead, so I kinda get it), but to deliver a warning.</p>
<p>According to NeoGAF <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1159655">user Xaero Gravity</a>, certain Xbox Live users have been combing through their 'recent player' lists and delivering the spoilers like a TIE Bomber. Their advice is solid: don't open messages from unknown players until you see the movie. Another GAF user names&nbsp;one of the culprits, but I won't start a witch hunt without first-hand information. The post isn't difficult to find if you decide on a pre-emptive block, though.</p>
<p>If you're playing <em>Star Wars Battlefront</em>&nbsp;on PC, avoiding spoilers might be a shade more difficult than simply opting out of a message. A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1159607&amp;page=2">second NeoGAF</a> thread warns of <em>Battlefront</em>&nbsp;players changing their avatars to custom-made spoiler rundowns, which has been corroborated by a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/comments/3xacp8/warning_people_are_making_force_awakens_spoilers/">reddit</a>&nbsp;thread. The OP has provided proof by way of <a target="_blank" href="https://imgur.com/60rHOnC">a screenshot</a>, but even their valiant blurring attempts don't quite hide everything -- don't click if you have any working theories.</p>
<p>The avatar scourge continues into <i>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</i>, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=189844382&amp;postcount=61">a post</a> in the <em>Battlefront</em>&nbsp;GAF thread and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wjGiLEm-Ik&amp;ab_channel=HoneyBadger">video from</a>&nbsp;<em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;YouTuber HoneyBadger (which, as of writing, has spoilers lurking in the comments). Both advocate disabling user-generated content in <em>Black Ops</em>'s options menu, which is a great idea regardless of how you feel about <em>Star Wars</em>&nbsp;spoilers.</p>
<p>As the week goes on, it becomes exponentially more and more unlikely you will make it to <em>The Force Awakens</em>&nbsp;with fresh eyes, so you should get on that ASAP. More jerks will see the movie, and they'll find new ways of spoiling it for everyone else. Maybe one day we'll all look up and find that an entrepreneurial asshole has hired a skywriter to ruin the secret of John Boyega's bottomless charm.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/327977-john-boyega-finn-star-wars-poster.jpg" alt="PSA: Watch out for Star Wars spoilers on Xbox Live and Battlefront screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=327974Mike Cosimanohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+CosimanoBlack Ops III multiplayer is free this weekend2015-12-19T00:00:00Z2015-12-19T00:00:00Z<p>Once you're done with your obligatory two&nbsp;<em>Star Wars</em>&nbsp;viewings this weekend (one to get it in before the spoilers hit, and another to make sure it was really that good), maybe you should fire up your PC and play some <em>Black Ops III</em>. The game's multiplayer mode will be available as a free download for all Steam users, and will run until Sunday at 1 PM Pacific time.</p>
<p>If you like what you see, the vanilla game will also be on sale for $44.99, along with the 'Digital Deluxe' version (which contains the game's Season Pass) for $79.99. I found the multiplayer fit my busy November mindset beautifully, so I heartily recommend it to those with just enough time for a really solid online shooter.</p>
<p>I wish more games would do free weekends like this. Demos are inherently limiting, and have rarely caused me to buy the product in question; they're often just tutorials that don't give an indicator of the full experience. If you're able to wring every drop of <em>Black Ops</em>-themed&nbsp;fun you can from this weekend, then maybe paying $60 for the full package was never the right move for you. Only one way to find out!</p>
<p>Also, according to the legalese at the bottom of this press release, Activision has trademarked "stylized roman numeral III" so watch out, <em>Tomb Raider 3</em>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/327974-IntoTheFray.jpg" alt="Black Ops III multiplayer is free this weekend screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=319080Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiLet's give away a PS4 and ten copies of Black Ops III2015-11-05T14:00:00Z2015-11-05T14:00:00Z<p>The next few days are going to be very lucrative for Big Video Game. What with the release of <em>Black Ops III</em>, <em>Fallout 4</em>, and <em>Rise of the Tomb Raider</em>, these fat cats and big wigs are going to sit atop their wobbly ivory towers of game cases and season pass inserts getting richer while we get poorer. Let's fight back. Let's cut into their margins. We're <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP3YYcUOyq0&amp;list=PLuMoYw8FHZylExRA0_2wPZ29864jA482R" target="_blank">Robbin' the Hood</a>.</p>
<p>Our ammunition comes courtesy of Amazon, who has given us one limited edition <em>Call of Duty </em>PlayStation 4 and ten digital copies of <em>Black Ops III</em>&nbsp;on PS4 to give away. If you're not down with our version of Project Mayhem, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VU4J13W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00VU4J13W&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=destructoid0f-20&amp;linkId=II2VZV6LUYJSRX4Z">Amazon also sells <em>Black Ops III</em></a>&nbsp;for $60. It'll come to your house in a few days and you can bask in the shame of knowing you sold out the cause.</p>
<p>Alternatively, Amazon's doing a thing where it's delivering <em>Black Ops III</em>&nbsp;at midnight on November 6 in select cities through the new Amazon Prime Now program. If you've never used Amazon Prime Now, the game will come at a $20 discount. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ascsubtag=d9b66786832111e594c4aa980500b9fe0000&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=13269146011&amp;tag=destructoid0f-20&amp;linkId=7IL7Z3ZYX27Y2ARU">More details on that here</a>, you traitor.</p>
<p>Have we separated the wheat from the chaff, yet? You, friends -- you're all chaff. Or are you wheat? I can't remember which is the good one. Anyway, read on, freedom fighters.</p>
<p>Here's what you have to do to maybe get your hands on these sweet wares. Leave a comment telling us about a time you fought The Man. Maybe you slyly went around your boss' back, maybe you punched the bully at school. Maybe you're Ron Paul. If you've never stood up to The Man in any way, shape, or form, make up a fantasy scenario about doing it, you yeller-bellied coward.</p>
<p>Like always, Mike Martin's in charge of picking winners. You have to impress, bribe, or kidnap him to stand a chance of winning. (But really, winners are random, so you have to do none of that.) But, the dude wouldn't object to a nice Edible Arrangement showing up at his door.</p>
<p>Winners will be selected on November 6. We'll send out codes for the game shortly thereafter. The PS4 winner will have to email us an address, and Amazon will ship the console out sometime around November 10. Good luck, you little hell raisers.</p>
<p><em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VU4J13W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00VU4J13W&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=destructoid0f-20&amp;linkId=II2VZV6LUYJSRX4Z">Black Ops III</a></em>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ascsubtag=d9b66786832111e594c4aa980500b9fe0000&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=13269146011&amp;tag=destructoid0f-20&amp;linkId=7IL7Z3ZYX27Y2ARU" target="_blank">Amazon Prime Now</a> [Amazon]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/319080-AmazonHeader.jpg" alt="Let's give away a PS4 and ten copies of Black Ops III screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=319238Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiSurprise! Black Ops III looks not great on last-gen, turns tanks into vans2015-11-05T11:00:00Z2015-11-05T11:00:00Z<p><iframe width="711" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hm66ybXFNWs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Activision's in the fortuitous position with <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;where the fanbase is so large that they haven't all adopted current-gen consoles yet. But, that means it's mostly obligated to keep releasing games on legacy systems. Not doing so would be leaving money on the table, and everyone balks at that.</p>
<p>So, a not great looking <em>Black Ops III</em>&nbsp;was made for PS3 and Xbox 360, where it's lacking the graphical fidelity that other formats have. Also, it's <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/new-call-of-duty-doesn-t-include-campaign-on-ps3-360-312486.phtml" target="_blank">missing a single-player campaign</a> -- that's a big one, too. Most won't care about any of that as long as the thrill of competition is present.</p>
<p>Still, we get to gawk at the old version and say, commenting that it doesn't look anywhere near as good as PC, PS4, and Xbox One as if that weren't to be expected. That's what we're doing today courtesy of this comparison video. Again, it probably doesn't matter much to people still playing on PS3 and Xbox 360.</p>
<p>Also, as you can see in this screenshot, armored combat vehicles get turned into vans with the downgrade. That's a sad trade-off.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/319238-BOHeader.jpg" alt="Surprise! Black Ops III looks not great on last-gen, turns tanks into vans screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/surprise-black-ops-iii-looks-not-great-on-last-gen-turns-tanks-into-vans-319238.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=318771Mike Cosimanohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+CosimanoAmazon will hand-deliver you a copy of Black Ops III at midnight2015-11-02T22:00:00Z2015-11-02T22:00:00Z<p>If you live in a city that supports Amazon's Prime Now app, you will be able to have another human being hand-deliver a copy of <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>&nbsp;directly to your door when the game launches on November 6.</p>
<p>For those unfamiliar with Prime Now, it's an app that allows Amazon Prime users to have certain items delivered directly to their door for free. I've used it for groceries before, and the process is about as convenient as your average pizza delivery service. (Of course, that depends on your area -- pizza delivery in LA is a perpetual crapshoot.) Ads for the app make it seem more impressive than it really is, which should be a shock to nobody. It's more of a four-hour delivery time with a specific window. Then you have to contend with at <em>least</em> a 20% tip if you're not a jerk, and potential delivery fees.</p>
<p>If you want to make a person bring a single video game to your residence, you have to make a pre-order through the Amazon Prime Now app on November 4 after midnight eastern time. And be quick about it, because there are only so many people and so many copies of <em>Black Ops III</em>. Based on my experience with Prime Now, expect to get your copy between 2 AM and 4 AM.</p>
<p>According to the Amazon press release, eligible cities are: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami, Minneapolis, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. That sounds about right.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/318771-maxresdefault-10.jpg" alt="Amazon will hand-deliver you a copy of Black Ops III at midnight screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=315334Dealzonhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dealzon25% off Star Wars Battlefront PC deal closes in as beta ends2015-10-14T10:00:00Z2015-10-14T10:00:00Z<p>Nine million strong was the verdict in the <em>Star Wars Battlefront</em>&nbsp;beta test weekend. By all accounts, the beta seems to be well received as the Internet was flooded with <em></em>videos/gifs aplenty. Green Man Gaming must have received the memo because during an unannounced sale, it's headlining <em> Battlefront</em> as <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.dealzon.com/deals/cheap-star-wars-battlefront?drc=dtoid:star-wars-battlefront-pc">the deal</a></em> to grab for the season.</p>
<ul>
</ul> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/315334-zzzztrop.jpg" alt="25% off Star Wars Battlefront PC deal closes in as beta ends screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/25-off-star-wars-battlefront-pc-deal-closes-in-as-beta-ends-315334.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=315222Vikki Blakehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Vikki+BlakeTreyarch is 'very sorry' about that Black Ops III tweet2015-10-13T06:00:00Z2015-10-13T06:00:00Z<p><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em> developer Treyarch has apologised for its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.destructoid.com/official-call-of-duty-twitter-account-tweets-fake-terrorist-attack-313144.phtml" target="_blank">recent Twitter marketing campaign.</a></p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago, the studio changed the @callofduty Twitter name to 'Current Events Aggregate' and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CallofDuty/status/648905858529759232" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">tweeted news</a> of a live terrorist attack in Singapore.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/315222-313144-maxresdefault.jpg" alt="Treyarch is 'very sorry' about that Black Ops III tweet screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/treyarch-is-very-sorry-about-that-black-ops-iii-tweet-315222.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=315200Joe Parlockhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joe+ParlockBlack Ops III's Zombie mode goes all film noir2015-10-13T03:00:00Z2015-10-13T03:00:00Z<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-nusN4tZYoo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For years and years, there&rsquo;s been criticism leveled at <i>Call of Duty </i>for just doing the same thing over and over again. It&rsquo;s a fair criticism, <i>Black Ops III </i>didn&rsquo;t feel all too different to <i>Black Ops II </i>to me, but there&rsquo;s always been one bit of the series that had a pretty decent level of creativity: the Zombie mode. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s been set in World War II, on the moon, it&rsquo;s featured horror film legends, it&rsquo;s done all sorts of neat stuff. The Zombies mode works as a nice change of pace from the S<i>oldierTangoFoxtrotMilitary </i>onslaught that is every other mode in the series.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the trailer for the <i>Black Ops III </i>Zombies mode, <i>Shadows of Evil,</i> we&rsquo;re treated some campy 1940s noir goodness. There&rsquo;s a murderous star, a detective who could be mistaken for a Chuckle Brother, a stage performer with a moustache that puts the detective to shame<i>, </i>and a bare-knuckle bruiser. They&rsquo;re surrounded by the pouring rain, neon signs, and wailing trumpets as they do battle with the undead. It&rsquo;s camp and I kind of love it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It seems Activision is still willing to pour a small country&rsquo;s worth of money into the games and their voice cast, despite the series&rsquo; popularity waning in recent years. Jeff Goldblum, Heather Graham, Neal McDonough, and Ron Perlman are all lending their voices to the mode, which can't be cheap.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Good luck if you wanted to see what the gameplay is like though, as there isn&rsquo;t any in the trailer. You&rsquo;ll just have to wait for <i>Black Ops III </i>to be released November 6.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div id="_mcePaste" class="mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
<p class="MsoNormal">For years and years, there&rsquo;s been criticism levelled at <i>Call of Duty </i>for just doing the same thing over and over again. It&rsquo;s a fair criticism, <i>Black Ops 3 </i>didn&rsquo;t feel all too different to <i>Black Ops 2 </i>to me, but there&rsquo;s always been one bit of the series that had a pretty decent level of creativity: the Zombie mode. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s been set in World War 2, on the moon, it&rsquo;s featured horror film legends, it&rsquo;s done all sorts of neat stuff. The Zombies mode works as a nice change of pace from the <i>soldiertangofoxtrotmilitary </i>onslaught that is every other mode in the series.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the trailer for the <i>Black Ops 3 </i>Zombies mode, <i>Shadows of Evil,</i> we&rsquo;re treated some campy 1940s noir goodness. There&rsquo;s a murderous star, a detective who could be mistaken for a Chuckle Brother, a stage performer with a moustache that puts the detective to shame<i>, </i>and a bare-knuckle bruiser. They&rsquo;re surrounded by the pouring rain, neon signs, and wailing trumpets as they do battle with the undead. It&rsquo;s camp and I kind of love it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It looks like Activision are still willing to pour a small country&rsquo;s worth of money into the games and their voice cast, despite the series&rsquo; popularity waning in recent years. Jeff Goldblum, Heather Graham, Neal McDonough and Ron Perlman are all lending their voices to the mode.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Good luck if you wanted to see what the gameplay is like though, as there isn&rsquo;t any in the trailer. You&rsquo;ll just have to wait for <i>Black Ops 3 </i>to be released November 6.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/315200-blackops3.jpg" alt="Black Ops III's Zombie mode goes all film noir screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=315167Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreBlack Ops III's hardest difficulty will kill you in one shot2015-10-12T22:00:00Z2015-10-12T22:00:00Z<p>We were only just chatting about overly harsh difficulty modes last week with Naughty Dog's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/uncharted-s-brutal-difficulty-is-no-joke-314738.phtml">Brutal option</a> for <em>Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection</em>, and now here's Treyarch with a grueling addition to <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em> to contrast the campaign's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-unlocks-all-campaign-levels-from-start-315102.phtml">unlocked level structure</a>.</p>
<p>With Realistic difficulty, "you have one point of life, so if you're shot once, you're dead," director Jason Blundell told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-22371-Call-of-Duty--Black-Ops-3-s-Campaign-is-Disturbing-But-Zombies-is-Terrifying.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Xbox Achievements</a>, adding that you'll have to survive as a group. "You end up respecting the level in a completely different way, and once gunfire opens up, everyone just drops to the ground, because if any one bullet hits you or a grenade goes off near you, you're dead."</p>
<p>There's an achievement / trophy, "No One Will Believe You," tied to clearing Realistic (though not for the PS3 and Xbox 360 ports of <em>Black Ops III</em>, which lack the campaign). Good luck with that.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-22371-Call-of-Duty--Black-Ops-3-s-Campaign-is-Disturbing-But-Zombies-is-Terrifying.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Call of Duty: Black Ops 3's Campaign is Disturbing But Zombies is Terrifying</a> [Xbox Achievements via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1123422">NeoGAF</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/315167-h1.jpg" alt="Black Ops III's hardest difficulty will kill you in one shot screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=313144Laura Kate Dalehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Laura+Kate+DaleOfficial Call of Duty Twitter account tweets fake terrorist attack2015-09-30T02:10:00Z2015-09-30T02:10:00Z<p>As part of a promotional stunt to promote <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em> and reveal new information about the plot of the game, Activision yesterday tweeted out several reports regarding a fake terrorist attack that had allegedly just happened in a highly populated area of Singapore.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The tweets, which came from the official @CallOfDuty Twitter account, explained that an explosion had gone off at the fictional Coalescence Corporation building in Singapore and that Singapore authorities had declared both a state of emergency and martial law within the country.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING NEWS: Unconfirmed reports are coming in of an explosion on the North bank of the Singapore Marina.</p>&mdash; Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) <a href="https://twitter.com/CallofDuty/status/648905858529759232">September 29, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>While the embedded version of the tweet above may seem like some harmless fun, those in charge of the Twitter account may be in considerable trouble due to breaking several of Twitter's rules for verified accounts. At the time that these tweets were sent out, the Twitter account had its name, bio, and design altered to better reflect that of a reputable news outlet upon first glance.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/313144-maxresdefault.jpg" alt="Official Call of Duty Twitter account tweets fake terrorist attack screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/official-call-of-duty-twitter-account-tweets-fake-terrorist-attack-313144.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=312046Mike Cosimanohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+CosimanoBlack Ops III-themed PS4 with 1TB hard drive announced2015-09-22T17:00:00Z2015-09-22T17:00:00Z<p>A <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>-themed PlayStation 4 bundle has been announced on the <a href="https://blog.us.playstation.com/2015/09/22/call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-limited-edition-playstation-4-bundle-out-116/" target="_blank">PlayStation Blog</a>. The system will come with a 1TB hard drive, a copy of <em>Black Ops III</em>, the pre-order bonus map Nuk3town, and a bunch of silly decals. There's a listing on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B015NGZFWS/212-53-20/">Amazon</a>&nbsp;if you need to secure your pre-order right away for some reason.</p>
<p>You know what? I honestly can't get mad at this. The big ol' Roman numeral 'III' on the top of the system is straight-up wonderful, and I love me some neon orange. Yeah, it looks like crap, but it brought the Internet together for a good laugh. Maybe the real Black Ops were the friends we made along the way.</p>
<p>Anyway, Polygon's Mike McWhertor made a better joke than I ever could have. Worst part? He's totally right.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/312046-codps4edit.jpg" alt="Black Ops III-themed PS4 with 1TB hard drive announced screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-iii-themed-ps4-with-1tb-hard-drive-announced-312046.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=308646Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaNuketown reborn in Black Ops 32015-08-31T16:00:00Z2015-08-31T16:00:00Z<p>If you are a fan of the Nuketown maps in the <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops</em> series, then you'll be happy to hear that Treyarch is bringing the popular map to <em>Black Ops 3</em>. However, this time it's got an edgy name and you'll need to preorder the game to play it on day one (modern gaming, am I right?). As for its availability if you don't preorder, well, I guess you'll have to wait.</p>
<p>For <em>Black Ops 3</em>, Nuketown is being renamed with the edgy moniker of Nuk3town. You know, because Activision and Treyarch are hip to that l33t lingo everyone is using now.</p>
<p>Here are the details:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Set in the year 2065 and refreshed for a new generation of gameplay, Nuk3town integrates <em>Black Ops III's</em> new momentum-based chained-movement system, taking players into intense close-quarters action that they've come to expect. Fans that preorder the game will receive the Nuk3town downloadable bonus map as an in-box download code, available with launch units of <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em> for PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC.</p>
</blockquote> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/308646-megabloks-nuketown.jpg" alt="Nuketown reborn in Black Ops 3 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=305563Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiThis is how Black Ops III has the moves like Jagger2015-08-14T20:00:00Z2015-08-14T20:00:00Z<p><iframe width="711" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uUVuXiqEqkA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Wait. I don't actually know how Jagger moves. That dude is super old. It's probably not like this now that I think about it.</p>
<p>Disregard the headline, but retain all the flashy running, hurdling, swimming, and boosting you can do in <em>Black Ops III</em>. That's what it looks like if you're good. If you're bad, it likely looks more akin to Mick Jagger running around a battlefield.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/305563-CodHeader.jpg" alt="This is how Black Ops III has the moves like Jagger screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=305535Dealzonhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/DealzonGMG has 23% off Star Wars Battlefront, Black Ops 3 + other preorder titles2015-08-14T15:45:00Z2015-08-14T15:45:00Z<p>No <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/ea-on-star-wars-battlefront-most-people-would-ve-skipped-single-player-305011.phtml" target="_blank">single player</a>? No problem. We all know <em>Star Wars: Battlefront</em> will be a big title just by its nostalgia factor alone (plus it's freaking Star Wars). GMG just <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dealzon.com/deals/cheap-star-wars-battlefront?drc=dtoid">unlocked</a> its typical site-wide coupon on select pre-order titles, the most notable being <em>Star Wars: Battlefront</em>, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>, and <em>Need for Speed</em>.</p>
<p>While a discount on digital games isn't rare, a discount on upcoming AAA titles from select publishers (namely EA) usually won't last long as the publisher often puts a tiny bit of pressure on keeping RRP intact. So don't be surprised if these disappear before the standard Aug 17th coupon expiration date.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/305535-battlefront-pre-order-deal.jpg" alt="GMG has 23% off Star Wars Battlefront, Black Ops 3 + other preorder titles screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/gmg-has-23-off-star-wars-battlefront-black-ops-3-other-preorder-titles-305535.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=295782Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerCall of Duty: Black Ops III Juggernog edition with mini-fridge is sold out2015-07-10T18:00:00Z2015-07-10T18:00:00Z<p>Did you want to pay $200 for a tiny fridge that comes with a free copy of <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>? Well sorry, it looks like you missed your chance as the Juggernog Edition is sold out at basically every online retailer in the US. No word on whether or not you can still preorder it in-store.</p>
<p>As far as special edition swag goes, a working mini-fridge is pretty cool and practical versus, say, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-is-releasing-a-fallout-4-pip-boy-edition-with-a-real-pip-boy-293953.phtml">a plastic armband with non-working buttons</a>&nbsp;that only <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/see-if-your-phone-will-fit-the-fallout-4-pip-boy-edition-295268.phtml">fits small phones for pleebs</a>. I hope all you lucky bros and sistahs that got your preorder in have an endless flow of Mountain Dew Game Fuel when this launches November 5. Stay thirsty my friends, and Do the Dew.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/295782-fridge.jpg" alt="Call of Duty: Black Ops III Juggernog edition with mini-fridge is sold out screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=294777Vikki Blakehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Vikki+BlakeBlack Ops 3 Zombies reveal coming soon2015-06-25T05:00:00Z2015-06-25T05:00:00Z<p>In a tweet yesterday, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em> developer Treyarch teased at zombie-flavoured news coming July 9.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It&#39;s time to start writing the next chapter... <a href="https://t.co/D31SOEw8vJ">pic.twitter.com/D31SOEw8vJ</a></p>&mdash; Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) <a href="https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/613756232961249280">June 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Wondering what's so significant about July 9? Yep, me too. It's not particularly mysterious, though - turns out it's the first day of San Diego Comic Con. So if you're going, you might be amongst the first to lay your hands on the latest <em>Black Ops</em> zombie mode.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Zack sucked at playing <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>'s multiplayer.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/i-sucked-at-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-s-multiplayer-294079.phtml">Check out his E3 preview</a> to find out why being "horrible" didn't spoil his fun, though.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/294777-290992-Black Ops 3_Specialist_Ruin.jpg" alt="Black Ops 3 Zombies reveal coming soon screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=294463Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaNew Black Ops III video goes deep into co-op2015-06-19T19:30:00Z2015-06-19T19:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RYY7A2xbnNs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>In order to continue the hype-train coverage that is so much of the norm for today's AAA mega franchises (and probably lesser games too), this hot-off-the-presses marketing video for <em>Call of Duty Black Ops III</em> will take you on a 13-minute tour of the "cooperative campaign with the Cyber Core tutorial."</p>
<p>Sit back, relax, and let the sounds of war bathe you in a warming glow.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/294463-codcop.jpg" alt="New Black Ops III video goes deep into co-op screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=293622Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiCall of Duty still entrenched in its last-gen ways2015-06-09T16:30:00Z2015-06-09T16:30:00Z<p>No matter what Activision says, warfare hasn't advanced all that far. That's evident by the fact that <em>Black Ops 3</em>&nbsp;will release on legacy consoles, making it the eleventh <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;title on PS3 and Xbox 360.</p>
<p>Activision <a href="https://blog.activision.com/community/games-blog/call-of-duty/blog/2015/06/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-is-coming-to-xbox-360-and-playstation-3" target="_blank">confirmed</a> the last-gen release of&nbsp;<em>Black Ops 3</em>&nbsp;on the publisher's games blog. These will be created by Beenox and Mercenary Technology, rather than Treyarch, who's handling primary development. Predictably, these versions will be stripped of some functionality that PC, PS4, and Xbox One users will have access to. Additionally, cooperative play on PS3 and Xbox 360 will be limited to two players instead of four.</p>
<p>The announcement isn't too surprising, seeing as <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;is one of gaming's most popular and well-selling franchises. Activision would be wise not to put out more of that user base than it needs to. Still, other publishers like Ubisoft have <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/ubisoft-has-almost-completely-moved-away-from-last-gen-consoles-292021.phtml" target="_blank">completely moved away</a> from developing for last-gen systems. It can't be much longer before Activision follows suit.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.activision.com/community/games-blog/call-of-duty/blog/2015/06/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-is-coming-to-xbox-360-and-playstation-3" target="_blank">Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is Coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3</a>&nbsp;[Activision Games Blog]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/293622-CodHeader.jpg" alt="Call of Duty still entrenched in its last-gen ways screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290996Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaThe Call of Duty mural at Treyarch2015-04-26T13:30:00Z2015-04-26T13:30:00Z<p>While visiting with Treyarch for its upcoming release of <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/what-we-know-about-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-290987.phtml" target="_blank">Call of Duty: Black Ops III</a></em>, I happened to notice some impressive artwork that ran across a few of the walls inside.</p>
<p>Done by iam8bit artist Dave Crosland, the pieces represent the entirety of Treyarch's contributions to the <em>Call of Duty</em> franchise. Here's a look at some of that art.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290996-9_Studio Tour_Mural3.jpg" alt="The Call of Duty mural at Treyarch screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-call-of-duty-mural-at-treyarch-290996.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290995Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaDtoid Q&A: Treyarch and Call of Duty: Black Ops III2015-04-26T13:00:00Z2015-04-26T13:00:00Z<p>As part of my recent visit with Treyarch covering the upcoming release of <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/what-we-know-about-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-290987.phtml">Call of Duty: Black Ops III</a></em>, I had the opportunity to sit down with three of the key figures behind this year's entry into the <em>Call of Duty</em> franchise.</p>
<p>With me were David Vonderhaar, studio design director, Mark Lamia, president and studio head of Treyarch, and Jason Blundell, campaign director and senior executive producer.</p>
<p>Here, they touch on subjects ranging from multiplayer complexity to the whole 1080p/60 FPS debate.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290995-Black Ops 3_Ramses Station_Armored Guard.jpg" alt="Dtoid Q&A: Treyarch and Call of Duty: Black Ops III screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/dtoid-q-a-treyarch-and-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-290995.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290992Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaHands on with Call of Duty: Black Ops III multiplayer2015-04-26T12:30:00Z2015-04-26T12:30:00Z<p>During my recent visit with Treyarch, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the multiplayer for <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/what-we-know-about-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-290987.phtml" target="_blank">Call of Duty: Black Ops III</a></em>.</p>
<p>After sitting through a presentation that seemed dizzying at times with the amount of changes and layers <em>Black Ops III</em> offers, actually being able to experience these dynamic themes at first required an entire overhaul of my play style. However, after much experimentation, I quickly found myself falling into old habits.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290992-Black Ops 3_Specialist_Ruin.jpg" alt="Hands on with Call of Duty: Black Ops III multiplayer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/hands-on-with-call-of-duty-black-ops-iii-multiplayer-290992.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290898Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiScientists play God in Black Ops III's latest teaser2015-04-23T13:30:00Z2015-04-23T13:30:00Z<p><iframe width="780" height="439" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bfr053KdD6w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Activision's officially unveiling <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</em>&nbsp;on April 26, but it's not being secretive about the title. The latest teaser trailer outright states the game's name. That's not where the mystery lies.</p>
<p>What Activision's keeping us in the dark about is the content of <em>Black Ops III</em>. This video starts out like it's a Nike ad from the not-too-distant future. Then, it turns. Athletes are getting genetically modified, brain connections are being shared, and eventually, humans are turned into weapons.</p>
<p>Naturally, it doesn't sit well with everyone. We'll have to wait to see what this might lead to. All that's for sure is that <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;looks like it's focusing on advanced warfare again this year.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290898-CodHeader.jpg" alt="Scientists play God in Black Ops III's latest teaser screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290235Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiNext Call of Duty looks to be another Black Ops, and has a reveal date2015-04-09T12:30:00Z2015-04-09T12:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O7KLxObO4Is" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The hype train powering the next <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;reveal has been rolling along at full speed ever since <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-next-call-of-duty-reveal-starts-with-a-snapchat-account-290126.phtml" target="_blank">Snapchat QR codes</a> started showing up in the multiplayer levels of <em>Black Ops II</em>. It looks like that will all come to a head on April 26, judging by this new teaser.</p>
<p>This recently released trailer seems mostly overly-"futuristic" and nonsensical, but the end gives us the date we'll know all about 2015's <em>Call of Duty</em>. It's also titled #BackInBlack, and prominently features the black and orange color scheme that has acted as a trademark of sorts for the <em>Black Ops</em>&nbsp;sub-series. Also making an appearance is the outline of the character that graced the <em>Black Ops II</em>&nbsp;box art.</p>
<p>Another <em>Black Ops</em>&nbsp;makes sense given that its Treyarch's turn in the three-company <em>Call of Duty</em>&nbsp;batting order. That's been the developers baby for the previous two installments. <em>World at War</em>&nbsp;was the last game its developed before starting <em>Black Ops</em>. It's a pretty safe bet that come April 26, we'll see the series return to the likes of assassination plots, infiltrations, and tactical espionage.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290235-CoDHeader.jpg" alt="Next Call of Duty looks to be another Black Ops, and has a reveal date screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=283159Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenJudge tosses former Panamanian dictator's Call of Duty lawsuit2014-10-29T10:30:00Z2014-10-29T10:30:00Z<p>Earlier this year, Panama's former dictator and friend to the CIA Manuel Noriega <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/former-panamanian-dictator-sues-activision-over-portrayal-in-black-ops-ii-278209.phtml" target="_blank">sued Activision</a> for the use of his likeness in <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em>. Not for defamation of character for portraying him a murderous badman, but for putting him in the game without paying him. Noriega is still in jail, currently back in Panama after a long stay in a French prison.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Los Angeles Superior Court judge William H. Fahey sided with Activision Blizzard and tossed the suit on the grounds that the cameo was protected fictionalization of an historical figure.</p>
<p>Activision hired former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani to represent the company. In a statement, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick called the decision, "a victory for the 40 million dedicated members of our <em>Call of Duty</em> community and global audiences who enjoy historical fiction across all works of art," and thanked Guiliani for dedicating "his life to the protection of citizens against terrorists like Manuel Noriega," hah.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.eurogamer.it/articles/2014-10-29-news-videogiochi-noriega-activision-call-of-duty-black-ops-2" target="_blank">Caso Noriega: la giustizia americana assolve Activision</a> [Eurogamer]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/283159-stupidbaby.jpg" alt="Judge tosses former Panamanian dictator's Call of Duty lawsuit screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=278209Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiFormer Panamanian dictator sues Activision over portrayal in Black Ops II2014-07-16T11:45:00Z2014-07-16T11:45:00Z<p>The videogames industry has seen its share of legal actions lately, but the most recent one comes from an unlikely source. Manuel Noriega, the dictator of Panama until 1989, has filed a lawsuit against Activision for appropriating his likeness and namesake without permission in 2012's <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml">Call of Duty: Black Ops II</a></em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As reported by the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-noriega-activision-lawsuit-20140715-story.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a>, Noriega filed his Complaint on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. In it, Noriega alleges that <em>Black Ops II</em>&nbsp;portrayed him&nbsp;<span>as &ldquo;a kidnapper, murderer and enemy of the state&rdquo; in an effort to "heighten realism," which led to "heightened sales." Of course, Noriega wants his cut and is looking for lost profits as well as damages.</span></p>
<p>There are a lot of interesting things going on here, namely that a public head of state is suing over a videogame. However, maybe most fascinating is that Noriega hasn't alleged some sort of defamation of character over being depicted as a murderer and kidnapper, but rather that it made <em>Black Ops II</em>&nbsp;more realistic. Sounds like he's probably a real stand-up guy.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-noriega-activision-lawsuit-20140715-story.html" target="_blank">Ex-dictator Manuel Noriega sues Activision over 'Call of Duty' game</a> [Los Angeles Times]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/278209-BOHeader.jpg" alt="Former Panamanian dictator sues Activision over portrayal in Black Ops II screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=263794Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthMLG Fall Invitational taking place today and tomorrow2013-10-18T12:30:00Z2013-10-18T12:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CQb2VSGK2Ik" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em> and<em> Dota 2</em> are the games of the Major League Gaming Fall Invitational, set to kick off today in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. Today, four of the top <em>Dota 2</em> teams will battle it out for $15,000 and a spot in the International tourney.</p>
<p>Tomorrow, October 19, four teams -- <span>Complexity, Optic, 8-12 UNiTE, and FaZe --&nbsp;</span>will play <em>Black Ops II</em> for $15,000. It seems Optic is the fan favorite for this tourney.</p>
<p><a href="https://store.majorleaguegaming.com/t/categories/mlg-fall-season" target="_blank">Passes online are available to watch the broadcast</a>, or&nbsp;<span>watch the broadcast for free on MLG.tv.</span></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/263794-mlg.jpg" alt="MLG Fall Invitational taking place today and tomorrow screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=259641Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreCall of Duty: Black Ops II's final DLC is 'Apocalypse'2013-08-08T12:45:00Z2013-08-08T12:45:00Z<p>It's been a decent run for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-vengeance-256544.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em>'</a>s DLC, but all things must come to and end and the end is nigh. It's only fitting that Treyarch's fourth and final pack for the game is called <em>Apocalypse</em>. Releasing first for Xbox 360 on August 27, this DLC has four more multiplayer maps and a Zombies experience that you <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-ii-origins-trailer-shows-off-giant-robot-259571.phtml">might have seen teased</a>.</p>
<p>Set in a Dieselpunk World War I-era France, Origins stars the familiar Tank, Nikolai, Takeo, and Rictofen as they fend off the undead nightmare in trenches. And attempt to take down a "1,000-foot-tall robot abomination." Great. You'll use period-appropriate weapons, including some that have a supernatural twist; a diesel drone; Mark IV tank; and a new perk machine.</p>
<p>As for the multiplayer maps, the list includes: Pod, a failed utopian community from the '70s that's on a Taiwanese cliffside; Frost, a frigid European city with a prominent bridge; Takeoff, a remake of the map Stadium from <em>Black Ops</em>; and Dig, a new take on <em>World at War</em>'s Courtyard.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259641-hnew.jpg" alt="Call of Duty: Black Ops II's final DLC is 'Apocalypse' screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-s-final-dlc-is-apocalypse--259641.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=259571Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreBlack Ops II 'Origins' trailer shows off giant robot2013-08-07T16:30:00Z2013-08-07T16:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VB_9esQucmw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>We know this trailer is for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-vengeance-256544.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em></a>, but that's about it. Featuring the phrase "Every story has a beginning...and an end," the video seems to hint at a new Zombies map with a giant killer robot for reasons that don't need to be explained. Because, y'know, killer robot. My attention is all yours.</p>
<p>Whatever this content ends up being, I have to hand it to Treyarch for being unafraid to have a little fun with its games. It's ridiculous, and kind of dumb, but sometimes that's exactly what you need most. Nothing wrong with that.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259571-h1.jpg" alt="Black Ops II 'Origins' trailer shows off giant robot screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=257901Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizVengeance comes to Black Ops II on PS3 and PC next month2013-07-11T04:00:00Z2013-07-11T04:00:00Z<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em></a> owners on the Xbox 360 have had access to the <em>Vengeance</em> expansion for a couple of weeks now. So what about PlayStation 3 and PC players? Your vengeance will be had starting on August 1.</p>
<p>The expansion includes four multiplayer maps, one of which is a re-imagined adaptation of the Summit map from the original<em> Black Ops</em>. Plus you'll get another zombies expansion, called Buried. Here players will find themselves in an abandoned underground Old West mining town. You'll also get to use the new Ray Gun Mark II weapon.</p>
<p>All this will be yours for $14.99, and is included with the season pass. Find out what we thought of <em>Vengeance</em> in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-vengeance-256544.phtml">our official review</a>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/257901-header.jpg" alt="Vengeance comes to Black Ops II on PS3 and PC next month screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=256544Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterReview: Call of Duty: Black Ops II: Vengeance2013-07-03T17:00:00Z2013-07-03T17:00:00Z<p>If you're keeping score, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em> has offered up <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-243463.phtml">one so-so</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-uprising-250789.phtml">one stellar</a> map pack so far -- and now, we're on part three of the four-piece Season Pass, <em>Vengeance</em>. In typical Treyarch fashion, four maps are on the plate, alongside a new zombies level that takes place in an old west setting.</p>
<p>All in all <em>Vengeance</em> gets the job done, and should scratch that itch until the arrival of <em>Ghosts</em> and next-gen consoles, even if it's far too safe for its own good.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/256544-B1.jpg" alt="Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops II: Vengeance screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-vengeance-256544.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=257036Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterBlack Ops II kicks off another Double XP weekend2013-06-26T16:00:00Z2013-06-26T16:00:00Z<p>For those of you who still play <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em></a>, you'll want to boot up your system of choice this weekend for a Double XP event, starting Friday June 28th at 10AM Pacific, all the way through the morning of Monday July 1st. The event is open to all platforms, including the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and Wii U (even though the latter <em>still</em> doesn't have DLC yet).</p>
<p>Amidst all of my current game habits, I still play <em>Black Ops II</em>, so I'll probably be partaking in this event at least for a little while. Also, you can expect a full review of the <em>Vengeance</em> DLC shortly after the July 2nd launch.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/257036-CD1.jpg" alt="Black Ops II kicks off another Double XP weekend screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=256562Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreBlack Ops II nails down July release for Vengeance DLC2013-06-18T18:30:00Z2013-06-18T18:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-78MwnAAXI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Following <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-243463.phtml"><em>Revolution</em></a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-uprising-250789.phtml"><em>Uprising</em></a>, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em> will get its third downloadable content pack starting July 2, 2013 on Xbox 360. Priced at $15 (1200 Microsoft Points) without a Season Pass, this add-on has another four multiplayer maps and "Buried" for Zombies.</p>
<p>"Cove" is set on an island in the Indian Ocean; "Detour" has an East Coast waterway's destroyed suspension bridge; "Rush" takes close-quarters combat to a paintball arena; and "Uplink" reimagines <em>Black Ops</em>' multiplayer map "Summit."</p>
<p>The new Zombies experience, "Buried," occurs in an Old West mining town and adds the Ray Gun Mark II for your undead-slaying pleasure. <em>Vengeance </em>will of course be coming to other platforms at a later date, though we do not know the schedule yet as per usual.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/256562-h1.jpg" alt="Black Ops II nails down July release for Vengeance DLC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=254424Keith Swiaderhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Keith+SwiaderBlack Ops 2's Revolution DLC has a free trial weekend2013-05-23T20:30:00Z2013-05-23T20:30:00Z<p><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's</em> Revolution map pack will be free to play on Xbox 360 this weekend, Activision's Dan Amrich <a target="_blank" href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/05/black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-free-trial-this-weekend/">announced</a>, who only confirmed the promotion for Microsoft's console.</p>
<p>The promotion has the content playable as a free trial, according to Amrich, so it's not to be confused with the content being a limited time free download.</p>
<p>Revolution, released late this past January, added the multiplayer maps Hydro, Grind, Mirage and Downhill to the fray, along with Die Rise, a new Zombies map, which <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-243463.phtml" target="_blank">impressed our own Chris Carter</a>.</p>
<p>We've reached out to Activision for comment on whether or not this will hit other platforms this weekend and how exactly the promotion will work.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/05/black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-free-trial-this-weekend/">Black Ops II: Revolution DLC free trial this weekend</a> [One of Swords]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/254424-243463-header2.jpg" alt="Black Ops 2's Revolution DLC has a free trial weekend screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=254244Keith Swiaderhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Keith+SwiaderVote on Black Ops 2's new Personalization Packs2013-05-22T03:00:00Z2013-05-22T03:00:00Z<p>Two new Personalization Packs will be released for <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 2</em>&nbsp;on May 29, and starting this Thursday you'll be able to vote on which packs make the cut, Activision's Dan Amrich <a href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/05/you-choose-the-new-personalization-packs-in-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/" target="_blank">announced</a>.</p>
<p>Voting will take place within <em>Black Ops 2's</em> "Message of the Day" section, currently only listed for Xbox 360, and you'll have the option to vote on the following packs: Comics, Cyborg, Dragon and Paladin, all of which can be seen&nbsp;<a href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/05/you-choose-the-new-personalization-packs-in-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/" target="_blank">here</a>. Each of the two packs released will contain a new camo skin, three reticles and a calling card.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The two packs which receive the most votes by May 28 will be released starting the following day.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/05/you-choose-the-new-personalization-packs-in-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/" target="_blank">You choose the new Personalization Packs in Call of Duty: Black Ops II</a> [One of Swords]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/254244-blops2dlc.jpg" alt="Vote on Black Ops 2's new Personalization Packs screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=251356Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreBlack Ops II's 'Mob of the Dead' looks suitably silly2013-04-11T19:15:00Z2013-04-11T19:15:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="376" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/My2keV2IIQ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Arriving later next week,&nbsp;<em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em>'s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.destructoid.com/black-ops-ii-new-uprising-dlc-maps-arrive-april-16-250800.phtml" target="_blank"><em>Uprising </em>add-on pack</a> comes with Mob of the Dead, a zombie mode set on Alcatraz that, well, you'll see in this latest video. As a follow-up to <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/behind-the-scenes-with-black-ops-ii-s-mob-of-the-dead--251211.phtml" target="_blank">the recent behind-the-scenes</a> from Treyarch, this one is a full-fledged trailer for the content.</p>
<p>Being so out of the loop on the zombies side of <em>Call of Duty</em>, this looks pretty great to me. It's one of those things where I didn't know I wanted to fend off the undead as Ray Liotta essentially playing himself until Treyarch brought the idea to fruition. So thanks for that, folks.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/251356-h1.jpg" alt="Black Ops II's 'Mob of the Dead' looks suitably silly screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=251116Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizTeam Fariko wins the first Call of Duty Championship2013-04-09T01:00:00Z2013-04-09T01:00:00Z<p>Team Fariko Impact won big after three days of intense <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em></a> multiplayer action in the first ever <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/million-dollar-call-of-duty-tournament-begins-today-250834.phtml">Call of Duty Championship</a>. 32 teams from around the world came together to battle it out, with the ultimate winners here scoring $400,000. Runner-up teams scored anywhere between $25,000, to $200,000.</p>
<p>You can see the final five hours of the tournament below, and I have to say some of those final plays are really intense. I do love watching a good match of <em>Call of Duty</em>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/251116-header.jpg" alt="Team Fariko wins the first Call of Duty Championship screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/team-fariko-wins-the-first-call-of-duty-championship-251116.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=250834Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizMillion dollar Call of Duty tournament begins today 2013-04-05T05:00:00Z2013-04-05T05:00:00Z<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/call-of-duty-championship-tournament-offering-up-1m-243796.phtml">The Call of Duty Championship</a> kicks off today and sees teams from all around the world competing for up to $1 million dollars in prizes. The tournament begins with a ceremony starting at 12PM Pacific, and then the 32 teams go off to fight to the virtual death starting at 12:30PM.</p>
<p>The tournament lasts until Sunday at 3PM when the final match to determine the first ever Call of Duty Champion tournament winner takes place. The first place team will win $400,000, a trophy, and Super Bowl-like rings. Yes, really.</p>
<p>The entire tournament will be livestreamed on Twitch.TV, and you can see it all unfold below.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/250834-header.jpg" alt="Million dollar Call of Duty tournament begins today screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/million-dollar-call-of-duty-tournament-begins-today-250834.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=250665Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterBling out your guns with the Black Ops II Personal Pack2013-04-03T12:00:00Z2013-04-03T12:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kovQf2jby4E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>A new absurd trailer is out for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml"><em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em></a>, and it showcases some of the crazier <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/microtransactions-coming-to-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-248467.phtml">microtransaction based content</a>, like graffiti riot shields, bacon guns, and benjamin bling pistols. It's set to hit the PS3 and PC platforms on April 12th.</p>
<p>As long as these don't start spilling over to new weapons that convey a pure gameplay advantage of other players, I'm pretty much fine with this. If you want to pay a few bucks to get a crazy bacon gun, considering the fact that the game is already loaded with content and skins, I'm fine with it.</p>
<p>Sadly, pretty much any DLC for <em>Black Ops II</em> on the Wii U side of things is yet to be found. I really hope this isn't the gold standard for add-on content on the Wii U from third parties, as they'll find their fans looking everywhere else as a result.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/250665-CD1.jpg" alt="Bling out your guns with the Black Ops II Personal Pack screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=248467Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingMicrotransactions coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops II2013-03-12T08:00:00Z2013-03-12T08:00:00Z<p>If you were worried <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/fee-to-pay-a-new-name-for-a-hot-new-business-model--243301.phtml">fee-to-pay microtransactions</a> were going to become the norm ... prepare to be justified. Activision has announced it'll be jumping aboard the bandwagon tomorrow, introducing <a href="https://oneofswords.com/2013/03/nuketown-2025-now-free-for-everybody/">incremental buy-me-ups</a> for <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml">Call of Duty: Black Ops II</a></em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The publisher promises its "Micro Items" won't affect gameplay and, in fairness, this appears to be true for the most part. Here are the three things players will be able to purchase as of tomorrow:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Personalization Pack:</strong> Each pack as a unique weapon camo, three targeting reticles, custom calling card. $2.00/160 MS Points.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Extra Slots Pack:</strong> 10 extra Create-a-Class loadout slots, plus room for 20 more emblems, 32 films, and 40 screenshots. $2.00/160 MS Points.</li>
<li><strong>Flags of the World Calling Card Pack:</strong> National flag themed calling cards. $1.00/80 MS Points.</li>
</ul>
<p>The "Micro Items" will be coming to the Xbox 360, with a release on other systems unconfirmed.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/248467-hd call of duty microtransactions.jpg" alt="Microtransactions coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops II screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/microtransactions-coming-to-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-248467.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=247939Patrick Hancockhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Patrick+HancockFirst MLG competition of the year begins next week2013-03-06T17:45:00Z2013-03-06T17:45:00Z<p>MLG's Winter Championship will begin on March 15 and run until the 17, with $170,000 worth of prize money up for grabs. The featured games are <em>StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm</em>, <em>League of Legends</em>, and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-238414.phtml" target="_blank">Black Ops II</a></em>. MLG sure is pushing <em>Black Ops II</em>&nbsp;as an eSport, despite the era of FPS competitive games seemingly behind us.</p>
<p>The competition will take place at the Dallas Convention Center and tickets to go live and in person are available through the <a href="https://store.majorleaguegaming.com/t/categories/mlg-winter-2013-season" target="_blank">MLG store.</a>&nbsp;Streaming will be free up to 720p HD, but if you want some of that sweet 1080p action, you're going to have to upgrade. Can't say much about the <em>Black Ops</em>&nbsp;or <em>League of Legend </em>commentators, but the <em>StarCraft II</em>&nbsp;ones are the cream of the crop, including <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/interview-sean-day-9-plott-the-starcraft-ii-scene-234000.phtml" target="_blank">Day[9]</a>, DJ Wheat, and Husky.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/247939-header.jpg" alt="First MLG competition of the year begins next week screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-mlg-competition-of-the-year-begins-next-week-247939.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=247444Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiBlack Ops II 'Revolution' DLC drops for PS3 and PC2013-03-01T16:45:00Z2013-03-01T16:45:00Z<p>The first add-on for <em>Black Ops II</em>&nbsp;has finally made its way to PlayStation 3 and PC. The DLC, titled <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-243463.phtml">Revolution</a></em>, was a timed-exclusive for Xbox 360 and released in January 2013.</p>
<p>Available for $15, <em>Revolution</em>&nbsp;features four new multiplayer maps, a Zombies map, and a new Zombies mode called "Turned." The map locations include a hydroelectric dam, a skate park, a ski resort, and the Gobi Desert.</p>
<p>The Zombies map is called "Die Rise" and takes place in a Chinese city among a maze of destroyed skyscrapers. The new Turned mode lets the players act as the undead as they try to overrun the stronghold.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/247444-blops2.jpg" alt="Black Ops II 'Revolution' DLC drops for PS3 and PC screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=246263Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterIt's time for another Black Ops II Double XP weekend2013-02-22T10:00:00Z2013-02-22T10:00:00Z<p>Treyarch <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/304660488619429888">recently let the world know</a> that there will be another <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em> Double XP weekend happening, starting today. The event is confirmed for all platforms, including the 360, PS3, PC, and Wii U.</p>
<p>As usual, it'll run from 10AM PST to 10AM PST from Friday to Monday. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-revolution-dlc-243463.phtml">I actually still do these things</a>, so maybe I'll see you on!</p>
<p>Otherwise, stick around for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/Community/Events/CommunityPlaydate">our <em>Halo 4</em> event next Friday</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/304660488619429888">Treyarch</a> [Twitter]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/246263-B1.jpg" alt="It's time for another Black Ops II Double XP weekend screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=243796Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizCall of Duty Championship tournament offering up $1M2013-02-01T14:45:00Z2013-02-01T14:45:00Z<p><!-- jEmbed JS API-->
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<p>Activision is getting serious with eSports as they're hosting their first official major tournament for <em>Black Ops II</em>. The Call of Duty Championship tournament will be taking place in Hollywood, California from April 5 - 7 and will see 32 teams from around the world competing in the first-person shooter.</p>
<p>The tournament is being put together in partnership with Xbox, Major League Gaming, and the Electronic Sports League to make all this happen. Those wishing to become one of the final 32 teams just need to sign up for Call of Duty: Elite, and then compete in League Play all this month. The top eight eligible teams will earn a spot in the finals. The rest of the tournament seating will be filled by the top eight teams competing in the MLG 2013 Pro Circuit, top eight teams competing in ESL's European Finals, and additional tournaments taking place in Asia, Australia, and Brazil.</p>
<p>Check out the <a target="_blank" href="https://elite.callofduty.com/esports">official page for the Call of Duty Championship</a> for full details on the tournament. Like any eSports tournament, this will all be livestreamed as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/243796-header.jpg" alt="Call of Duty Championship tournament offering up $1M screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=243532Joshua Derocherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joshua+DerocherTwitch TV will be integrated into Black Ops II2013-01-30T08:00:00Z2013-01-30T08:00:00Z<p><span><script src="https://www.springboardplatform.com/js/overlay"></script><iframe id="dest007_656033" src="https://cms.springboardplatform.com/embed_iframe/357/video/656033/dest007/destructoid.com/10" width="620" height="375" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></span></p>
<p>Following <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/planetside-2-first-game-to-feature-twitch-integration-237917.phtml" title="PlanetSide 2 first game to feature Twitch integration" target="_blank">PlanetSide 2</a> </em>and <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/origin-adding-built-in-twitch-streaming-via-next-update-238205.phtml" title="Origin adding built-in Twitch streaming via next update" target="_blank">Origin</a>'s&nbsp;lead, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II </em>will be integrating Twitch streaming right into the game. This will allow players to broadcast their matches live right onto their Twitch.tv channel.</p>
<p>Players on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 will have access to this new feature with the press of a button. And they'll also be able to stream a webcam and/or audio commentary along with the game's feed. Anyone can watch the feed from a web browser right from Twitch, and Call of Duty Elite users will be able to watch from pretty much anywhere, including tablets and mobile devices. This means you never have to stop watching people play.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/243532-twitchcod_header.jpg" alt="Twitch TV will be integrated into Black Ops II screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/twitch-tv-will-be-integrated-into-black-ops-ii-243532.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=243338Fraser Brownhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Fraser+BrownNew releases: Skulls of the Shogun will slay you2013-01-28T13:00:00Z2013-01-28T13:00:00Z<p><span><span><!-- jEmbed JS API-->
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<p>Monday has once again arrived, so you know the drill: it's another week of new releases. We're leaving January behind in a somewhat subdued fashion, but there's certain to be something that will catch your eye.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/preview-skulls-of-the-shogun-197597.phtml" target="_blank">Skulls of the Shogun</a> </em>has caught my eye this week, though lamentably it's only dropping on platforms I have no access to. Maybe it's time for me to upgrade to Windows 8? Nah, probably not. Regardless, it looks like a fun strategy romp for those who like to chuckle while commanding undead minions.</p>
<p>Other than that, there's co-op shenanigans in the form of the&nbsp;medieval&nbsp;theme park scrapfest, <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/p-dungeonland-makes-evil-feel-so-good-232182.phtml" target="_blank">Dungeonland</a>; </em>the IGE award-winning <i><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/preview-antichamber-224577.phtml">Antichamber</a> </i>drops on PC; <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/an-offer-you-can-t-refuse-omerta-city-of-gangsters-demo-243167.phtml" target="_blank">Omerta: City of Gangsters </a></em>opens its doors to prospective mobsters; you can&nbsp;shoot people in the face and make things go "boom!" in <i>Heavy Fire: Shattered Spear;</i>&nbsp;the 3DS gets some love thanks to <em>Bloody Vampire </em>and <em>Witch's Cat</em>; play the most hardcore sport of them all in <em>Let's Fish! Hooked On;</em> and more platforms get&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed-238899.phtml" target="_blank">Sonic &amp; All-Stars Racing Transformed</a> </em>and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/p-ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault-232120.phtml" target="_blank">Ratchet &amp; Clank: Full Frontal Assault</a>. </em>This and a whole lot more magically appears this week.</p>
<p>Anything floating your boat?</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/243338-skulls.jpg" alt="New releases: Skulls of the Shogun will slay you screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/new-releases-skulls-of-the-shogun-will-slay-you-243338.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=241109Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregor2012: Year of the Wingsuit2012-12-31T16:00:00Z2012-12-31T16:00:00Z<p>When just about every major publisher rolled out a game featuring bows at E3 earlier this year, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/e3-rant-the-best-bows-of-e3-2012-229255.phtml" target="_blank">the fad didn't go unnoticed</a>. Many were quick to comment on how in vogue arrow-slinging weaponry has become and for good reason. There's been another prevalent trend in gaming this year, but it's probably flown under most people's radars.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Wingsuits. About a half dozen games this year featured special jumpsuits that allow people to glide through the air like a bird or, more appropriately, a flying squirrel. As the sun sets on 2012, join us in recounting our experiences with the latest craze to descend upon gaming.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/241109-b.jpg" alt="2012: Year of the Wingsuit screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/2012-year-of-the-wingsuit-241109.phtml">Read more...</a>